Skirt and pants construction with interchangeable components

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a skirt and pants construction. More particularly the invention relates to a skirt or pants that may be changed in length, style, configuration, and or comes with interchangeable and reversible components.

PRIOR ART

In spirit there is prior art for the convertible pants, but they do notinclude reversible components, and or skirts coveralls or overalls thatalso change in length or design. Furthermore they do not includedetachable waistbands and or attachable components that embellish theapparel or allow you to color coordinate.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Skirts and pants usually range in lengths. Skirts and pants are worn forfashion and for comfort. Sometimes people buy the same type of skirt orpants with different colors and designs on them or in different lengths.With my invention you can change the features and lengths on the skirtand pants foundation which gives the illusion of a complete differentskirt or pants. You can buy one skirt or pants and convert it intodifferent styles and lengths with interchangeable components. Thisfeature saves the consumer a lot of money and creates an abundance ofversatility. The appearance of the skirt or pants may also be altered byattaching embellishments in the allotted spaces or changing components.My invention also includes attachable sections for the sleeve areas andleg areas that add length. Because children usually grow in heightbefore they grow in girth my invention will be very useful.

In view of the fact that the prior art is silent on a skirt and pantsconstruction that breaks up into different components and or sectionsthat are reversible and creates different style skirts, overalls,coveralls or pants. To achieve this and other readily apparentobjectives, the present invention essentially discloses a skirt andpants construction for enabling a user or wearer to selectively attach acomponent for improving function and or appearance of the skirt andpants construction. The skirt and pants construction according to thepresent invention comprises a skirt or pants foundation member and atleast one attachable or detachable component.

Depending on different configurations, the attachable components mayvary in shape and size. The zipper portions will have an inner skirtthat allows for a smooth operation of the zipper slide and pull halfportion attached to the lower peripheral edge of the inner skirt, as itengages with a reciprocating zipper post half portion, attached to a topedge or bottom edge or top or bottom region of an attachable section orskirt or pants foundation.

Attachable components may employ other fastening means, such as snaps,mechanical traditional snaps, buttons, Velcro® Hook and Loop, buckles,linear zippers, linear dual post zippers, and curved zippers.

The fastening devices may not be concealed. Further, it is noted thatsuch non-concealed fasteners can be attached by being sewn in, glued andpunch pressed and by any other means conventionally known to thoseskilled in the art.

If the demarcation between the foundation pants or skirt or attachablecomponent is of a curved nature with no sharp corners, a curved zippersuch as in U.S. Pat. No. 6,224,484 of Farrell, can optionally be usedfor attachment. These can be single post on the component if it is notreversible. Notably, the attachable components may be reversible if thedesign lends itself to the invention. In this case, it can use a dualpost zipper for the reversible component. The curved zipper can beoutwardly visible, or it can be covered by an outer flap of anygeometric configuration or attached inner skirt.

In a further embodiment, the outer attachable component that serves as atrim on the pants or skirt is attached to an inner surface of anothercomponent located inside the foundation pants or skirt or attachablecomponent adjacent to its edge. This is facilitated by flaps attached tothe open edge of the foundation in which the flaps are pulled upwardover the foundation pants or skirt edge engaging its inner surface.

A zipper may be sewed into or around the exterior of a foundation skirtor pants allowing for an attachable component serving as anembellishment.

A component used to trim or embellish a foundation may be made as thinas ¼ inch in width attaching at the peripheral edge of a foundation oran attachable component.

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the inventionare attained and can be understood in detail, a more particulardescription of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had byreference to the embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in theappended drawings.

It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate onlytypical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to beconsidered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to otherequally effective embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a convertible skirt foundation.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a coverall pants foundation.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a convertible skirt foundation with analternative attachable section and a wider waist band.

FIG. 4 is deleted

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative convertible pantsfoundation that employs knee pads and a waist band component attachedaround the top perimeter of the pants.

FIG. 6 is an alternative embodiment that employs an attachable componentthat runs axially around the leg region.

FIG. 7 is an attachable band component.

FIG. 8 is an alternative embodiment of a convertible pants foundation.

FIG. 8A is an exploded view of the band component from FIG. 8.

FIG. 9 is an alternative embodiment of a pants foundation.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a pants construction.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of FIG. 10 with the components explodedfrom the foundation.

FIG. 10B is a rear view of the pants foundation with pockets on it.

FIG. 10C is a perspective view of an alternative lower component for apants or skirt foundation.

FIG. 10D is a perspective view of an attachable component.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have beenused, wherever possible, to designate identical elements that are commonto the figures.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of skirt foundation that breaks up intosections. Each section 2 creates a different style or length. Thesections are made with zippers 3 on the perimeters that are hiddenbeneath a flap 9. The sections have zipper 3 features on both of theperimeters. These sections are optionally reversible. When they arereversible, they will be made with dual post zippers. The skirtfoundation has a zipper 3 section for a decorative band strap 94 aroundthe foundation. Notably this design may be implemented into overallskirts or coveralls and may be asymmetrical or symmetrical.

FIG. 1A is a cut out perspective view of the flaps 9 being turned upwardand downward, displaying the zipper feature.

FIG. 1B is the skirt foundation. This is the part that encompasses thewaist and hip region of your body. Notably, this foundation may be madewith exterior pockets 92. This skirt foundation is constructed with ahalf zipper 3 member around the top and bottom perimeter of thefoundation. The zipper feature allows you to attach a waist band orlower components that embellish or lengthen the skirt.

FIG. 1C is a detachable skirt section. Notably, these attachablesections may be made of different sizes or configurations.

FIG. 1D is an attachable band 94 component that trims the lowerperimeter of the skirt.

FIG. 1E is an attachable waist band 15 component. This waist bandcomponent may come in different lengths.

FIG. 1F is a perspective view of a detachable pocket 92 component.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the coverall pants foundation. Thisfoundation breaks apart into sections. The upper and lower halfcomponents each have utility bid itself and may be worn alone or thecomplete foundation may be worn together. Notably, when worn alone waistband components may be attached to both sections. (not shown)

FIG. 2A is the lower region of the coverall pants foundation. This isthe part that encompasses the hips, the legs and the derriere region ofyour body. Notably, this foundation may be made with exterior pockets92. This pants foundation is constructed with a half zipper memberaround the waist region 23, and around the openings for your legs.Notably, this foundation has utility by itself and may be broken downinto a short pants 93 foundation. Furthermore, this coverallconstruction may be implemented into a skirt embodiment of any size.

FIG. 2B is the upper region of the coverall foundation. This upperregion 97 may be made with detachable sleeve members or sleeves thatbreak up into shorter lengths. The edge of the opening of the sleeve,collar or the waist region no matter what length it is may employ anattachable component that serves as an embellishment, a cuff or elasticto cinch that area.

FIG. 2C is a detachable leg 12 section. Notably, these attachablesections may be made of different sizes or configurations and may beemployed as the child grows into their pants.

FIG. 2D is the upper sleeve 12 region that may also be detachable.

FIG. 2E is the detachable collar 21 section.

FIG. 2F is a detachable cuff 22 component.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a convertible skirt foundation employingan alternative attachable component.

FIG. 4 is deleted.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative pants foundation. Thispants foundation is constructed with depressions 75 within an allottedspace on the knee regions. These depressions have a single zipper 3feature around the perimeter of the depressions beneath a flap 9. Thezipper features allow for an attachable member 89 to be affixed in thatarea. Notably, the pants foundation may be constructed without materialwithin the depressions 75 which would create an opening on those areaswhen an attachable member is not employed. Furthermore theconfigurations of the depressed areas or openings may be of anyconfigurations such as circles, rectangles, squares, ovals, diamond,half circles, pentagons, hexagons, stars, octagons and any otherconfigurations that will lend itself to the design of the pants.Notably, the pants may be constructed with allotted spaces forembellishments anywhere on the pants foundation or on the sleeve membersof the upper region of the coveralls. These zipper 3 features are bothmatable with the zipper half on the perimeter of the pants foundation.The sleeve members may be designed with detachable elbow pads or with adepression within an allotted space that runs vertical or horizontalanywhere on the sleeve from the collar 72 region to the wrist 77 orwaist 71 region. The said is constructed with zippers 3 beneath a flap 9that allow for attachable components. Notably, if the design lendsitself to the invention the zippers may be curved or one single zippermay be employed. The zippers 3 are attached in a vertical or horizontalmanner, one on each side of the depression. The depression allows forthe attachable component to be planar with the rest of the sleeve givingthe illusion that it was constructed that way. Notably, the depression75 for the component may be of any width or configuration allowing forcomponents of different sizes. This vertical feature malt also beimplemented into the pants or skirt construction. The removable kneepads 89 may be constructed with padding and or a robust surface thatlengthens the life of the pad. These pads are ideal for children wholike to play on the floor. With this feature the act al pants foundationwill never wear out on the knee area so long as you employ a set of kneepads 89. The decorative pads may be used for comfort or fashion.

FIG. 5A is a cutout view of the depression on the knee region.

FIG. 5B is a perspective view a knee pad exploded from the pants.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative pants leg member with adepression 75 in an allotted space for an attachable band component thatruns axially around the leg region. This foundation would employ acircumferential band component. Each depression has circumferentialzippers on the top and bottom regions beneath a flap.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a band strap 11 component. This bandstrap comes with two zipper 3 halves that are matable with a sleeve orpants foundation that has a compatible sized space for the band strap.Notably, the band strap 11 may be made in different sizes. This strapembellishes the sleeve members or allows you to color coordinate. Thisstrap may be made of different colors, materials, fabrics and orembellishments. This strap member is straight but it is noted that itmay be circumferential. Notably, this illustration is for illustrationonly and must not be construed as limiting and other fasteners may alsobe employed such as Velcro or snaps.

FIG. 8 is a perspective cut out view of an alternative pants foundation.This pants foundation also has an allotted space for an attachablecomponent. The said is constructed with female 7 and male 6 snap halveswithin a flap 9 member. The snaps fasten traverse the attachablecomponent. Notably, this is only an illustration and must not beconstrued as limiting. Velcro or zippers may also be used as thefastener for the components. They will be equally effective.

FIG. 8A is a cut out perspective view of an attachable band member forFIG. 8. This band member will be constructed with eyelets that allow forthe snap fasteners on the sleeve member to go traverse the band andfasten. Notably, this construction will be less expensive because thecomplete fasteners will be on the sleeve member. This is forillustration purposes only and must not be construed as limiting.

FIG. 9 is an alternative embodiment of a pants foundation displaying theside view where the attachable components attach to the pants. Theattachable components attach via zipper. This perspective view displaysa band member affixed to the foundation. The allotted space for theattachable component may be of any length or width. Notably, this designmay be implemented into a pants foundation of any length or a skirt ofany length including overalls and coveralls.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a pants construction. This pantsconstruction is made with several detachable components. Notably, thisconstruction may be made of any length and may employ any number ofcomponents. This illustration shows the cuff member being pulled upwardexposing the zipper 3 feature.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of FIG. 10 with the components explodedfrom the short pants foundation. This view depicts a waist band 15, ashort pants foundation 93, two sets of lower 12 components and a set ofcuff 22 components. Notably, the cuff components may be attached at thebottom of the short pants foundation or any of the leg members.

FIG. 10B is a rear view of the short pants foundation. The view depictstwo different type pockets being pulled away from the foundation. Thezipper 3 feature is exposed. One of the pockets is a full pocket 92 andthe other is a flap 89 for a pocket. By changing this feature one wouldthink that it is a different pair of pants. Notably different style orcolor pockets will be sold separately. This illustration must not beconstrued as limiting, as it is for illustration purposes only.

FIG. 10C is an alternative design for a pants leg component. Thiscomponent is displayed employing a gusset 99 member. This component isconstructed with a zipper 3 member. When the zipper member is unzippedit creates an opening or a slit in that area. When the component isunzipped it allows for an attachable gusset 99 component to be affixedin that area via zipper. The gusset member will be constructed withreciprocating zipper members for that area.

FIG. 10D is a perspective view of the gusset 99 component exploded fromthe lower component. This component is constructed with zipper 3features that correspond with that of the lower component.

It will now be noted that all of the embodiments may be made of anymaterial that lends itself to the invention such as denim, chiffon,cotton, lace, wool, cashmere, polyester, nylon, leather, suede, terrycloth, silk, rayon, velour, spandex, denim, synthetic fibers, knit,waterproof materials, embroidered materials, embossed, materials,stretchy fabrics, satin, patent leather, velvet, PVC, wool, polyester,snake skin, alligator skin, ostrich skin, crocodile skin, pony hair, allfurs, goatskin, lambskin, flannel, vinyl, beaded fabric, corduroy, fauxleather, pebbled leather, faux skins, monogrammed suede embossed,canvas, plastic coated canvas, silk, quilted materials, goose downinsulations, woven materials, studded fabrics, sequence fabrics. It isalso noted that the foundation may be of any length skirt, pants,overalls or coveralls. It is also noted that detachable liners for theskirt or pants foundations may be incorporated into the design. Theliners may be made of silk, satin, cashmere or any other material thatlends itself to the invention.

It is also noted that the skirt and pants foundation is fully functionalby itself. The attachable components may be symmetrical or asymmetrical.Dual post curved zippers are optional for reversible components. All ofthe components may or may not be constructed to be reversible.

While the drawings do not illustrate various examples of flaps ordepressions within the skirt or pants foundation for attachable members,it is noted that trapezoidal curved or straight flaps covering theconnection between the attachable sections which may or may not bereversible which without any attachable component is fully functional byitself.

Where a permanently affixed outer flap is provided over a zipper, suchas a dual post zipper for reversible and or interchangeable componentssuch as a regular zipper for non-reversible interchangeable attachablecomponent, then in such case, the flap itself may be further pulled downto expose an inner skirt having a connection interface at an outerdistal end region or edge, to allow better manual access therein andallow for the use of horizontal zippers in instances where thedemarcation edge of flaps is other than a horizontal shape (i.e.trapezoid, curve, zigzag, wavy, angular, etc.)

It is believed that the advantages of this invention will be apparent tothose skilled in the art. It will also be apparent that a number ofvariations and modifications may be made therein without departing fromits spirit and scope. Accordingly the foregoing description is to beconstrued as illustrative only, rather than limiting. This invention islimited only by the scope of the following claims.

I. This is claim
 1. A skirt and pants construction and system,comprising: a foundation skirt or pants having a surface thatencompasses the hip and derriere region; wherein said foundation mayconnect to at least one attachable component by at least one edge andfurther the foundation may have a removable liner with a commonconnection interface and or allotted areas for embellishments that havefastening means within them. I also claim an attachable member thatattaches via zipper fastening means that serves as a lengthener or anembellishment for any skirt or pants foundation that attaches around theperimeter or any edge that has a zipper fastening means on it, on theskirt or pants foundation or on allotted sections as in claim 1 and thatthey may be sold separately. II. This is claim
 2. I claim a pants,overall or coverall construction with an allotted section at the kneeregion that allows for attachable knee pads. The said also havingdetachable sections that allow for versatility in length. III. This isclaim
 3. I claim a skirt, pants, overall or coverall construction havingan allotted space that runs vertically or horizontally on the arm sleeveor leg sleeve regions with zipper features within it for attachablecomponents.
 1. I claim a skirt or pants foundation that doesn't increasein length but that allows for changeable components and has utility byitself.
 2. Wherein, as part of claim 1, 2 and 3 where attachablesections may serve as increasing the length or changing the style of theskirt or pants foundation, changing waist bands, pockets, the trim andor features to embellish or color coordinate the skirt and pants. 3.Wherein as part of claim 1, 2 and
 3. I claim an attachable componentthat may be used as a knee pad or an embellishment of different colors,textures including rubber or designed with different themes.
 4. As partof claim 1, 2 or 3 an attachable component where a zipper is idealalthough it may be made of any type of fastening means such as snapsmechanical traditional snaps, buttons, hook and loop, buckles, linearzippers, eyelets and lace-up structures.
 5. A skirt, pants, overall andcoverall construction and system as in claim 1, 2 and 3 having at leastone attachable upper component or lower component with an engageableportion for said fastener and with additional sections that allow achild to grow into their pants.
 6. A skirt, pants, overall and coverallsystem as in claim 1, 2 and 3 where user friendly fasteners are selectedfrom the group compromising snaps, buttons, studs, curved zippers,linear zippers, linear dual post zippers and Velcro.
 7. Wherein as claim1, 2 and 3 A skirt or pants system where the foundations may, beoveralls or coveralls.
 8. A skirt and pants system as in claim 1, 2 or 3wherein a said array comprises an extended arranged plurality offasteners, said array preferably being comprised of at lease 2 suchgroups of apertures in combination with apertures and relatedconnections engaging a foundation skirt or pants and an interchangeablecomponent.
 9. Wherein said connection interface is a zipper or a dualpost zipper in reference to claim 1, 2 and
 3. 10. A skirt or pantssystem as in claim 1, 2 and 3 where the skirt or pants foundation,attachable upper components and lower components may be made of studs,felt, rubber, wool, silk, chiffon, lace, nylon, canvas, organicmaterials, weather proof materials, cotton, polyester, angora, crochetedfabrics, linen, felt, sweat wicking fabric, acrylic, knitted fabrics,denim, satin, silk, lace, velvet, velour, rhinestones, jewels, sequence,leather, suede, canvas, beads or any other materials that lendthemselves to the invention.
 11. Wherein as claim 1, 2 and
 3. I claimthat the sleeve members and the skirt and pants foundations may haveallotted vertical, horizontal or any shape spaces within a depressionthat allow for attachable components that serve as embellishments orthat allow you to color coordinate.
 12. We claim that the attachablemembers from claim 1, 2 and 3 such as upper components, lowercomponents, and embellishments may be sold separately.
 13. Wherein asclaim 1, 2 and 3 we claim that the attachable members of one skirt orpants foundation may fit another skirt or pants foundation creating moreversatility so long as the sizes are compatible.
 14. Wherein as claim 1,2 and
 3. I claim that the sleeve and lower regions of the foundationsmay detach completely or break up into sections on all of the skirts andpants, or coveralls.
 15. I claim that the attachable components may varyin size and may be open ended or may not have any open ends (joinedcircumferentially).
 16. I claim that the skirt or pants foundation ofclaim 1, 2 and 3 may be of any length.
 17. I claim that a skirt or pantssystem may be sold with at least one upper or lower component up to anunlimited number, thus creating a skirt, dress, pants, overalls, orcoveralls of different lengths or styles.